Governor Roy Cooper and Governor Elect Josh Stein filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging part of the new bill that shifts appointments to the Highway Patrol to the legislature. The lawsuit says that the commander of the patrol should remain under the jurisdiction of the governor, to maintain a chain of command in emergencies.
The new legislation would have Col. Freddy Johnson remain in place as chief until 2030, after which the General Assembly would have to vote on appointments. Some solons privately pointed to what they considered the politicization and weaponization of the NCSHP during COVID and after the January 6, 2021 riots in Washington DC.
